The Necroptotic Process-Related Signature Predicts Immune Infiltration and Drug Sensitivity in Kidney Renal Papillary Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

It remains controversial whether the current subtypes of kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) can be used to predict the prognosis independently.

OBJECTIVE

This observational study aimed to identify a risk signature based on necroptotic pro-cess-related genes (NPRGs) in KIRP.

METHODS

In the training cohort, LASSO regression was applied to construct the risk signature from 158 NPRGs, followed by the analysis of Overall Survival (OS) using the Kaplan-Meier method. The signature accuracy was evaluated by the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, which was further validated by the test cohort. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the expressions of immune-related genes, neoantigen genes, and immune infiltration between differ-ent risk groups, while the correlation test was performed between NPRGs expressions and drug sensitivity. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to investigate the NPRGs' signature's biologi-cal functions.

RESULTS

We finally screened out 4-NPRGs (BIRC3, CAMK2B, PYGM, and TRADD) for con-structing the risk signature with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) reaching about 0.8. The risk score could be used as an independent OS predictor. Consistent with the enriched signaling, the NPRGs signature was found to be closely associated with neoantigen, immune cell infiltration, and immune-related functions. Based on NPRGs expressions, we also predicted multiple drugs potentially sensitive or resistant to treatment.

CONCLUSION

The novel 4-NPRGs risk signature can predict the prognosis, immune infiltration, and therapeutic sensitivity of KIRP.

Machine learning based longitudinal virtual diagnostics at SwissFEL

The bunch length in a linac driven Free Electron Laser (FEL) is a major parameter to be characterized to optimize the final accelerator performance. In linear machines, this observable is typically determined from the beam imaged on a screen located downstream of a Transverse Deflecting Structure (TDS) used to impinge a time dependent kick along the longitudinal coordinate of the beam. This measurement is typically performed during the machine setup and only sporadically to check the beam duration, but it cannot be continuously repeated because it is time consuming and invasive. A non-invasive method to determine the electron bunch length has already been presented in the past. This method is based on the analysis of the synchrotron radiation light spot emitted by the bunch passing through a magnetic chicane, provided that the energy chirp impinged on the bunch by the upstream radio frequency structures is known. In order to overcome a systematic discrepancy affecting the synchrotron radiation monitor based results compared to the absolute TDS based ones, we implemented and optimized a machine learning approach to predict the bunch length downstream of the two SwissFEL compression stages-from about 10 fs up to about 2 ps-as well as the beam longitudinal profile at the first one.

Network meta-analysis of treatments for perineal extramammary paget's disease: Focusing on performance of recurrence prevention

INTRODUCTION

Perineal extramammary paget's disease (EMPD) is characterized with high recurrence rate. Although numerous therapeutic measures for this disease have been reported so far, it is unknown whether there is significant difference in their recurrence-preventing efficiency. This study aims to compare the recurrence outcomes of reported perineal EMPD treatments.

METHODS

We searched public databases of for published studies concerning perineal EMPD treatments. After screening by inclusion and exclusion criteria, we extracted the data relevant to recurrence rate, and conducted network meta-analysis (NMA) by using Bayesian random-effects approach.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 29 previous studies (involving both male and female patients) and 11 treatment designs which are wide local excision (WLE), local excision (LE), Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), radiotherapy (RT), radical vulvectomy (RV), photodynamic therapy (PDT), lasers (LS), imiquimod, and WLE+RT, WLE+PDT, WLE+LS. Comparing with WLE, the MMS showed significant advantage in reducing recurrence [OR: 0.18 (0.03-0.87)], while none of the rest treatments has statistically significant results. After removing outlier studies, MMS still has the significant advantages [OR: 0.35 (0.11-0.82)], and LE turned to be the treatment with worst performance [OR: 13 (2.50-110)]. Covariance analysis of follow-up length, gender differences, and lesion locations indicated only short follow-up time could affect the recurrence statistics, which tend to conceal the real differences. Funnel plot demonstrated there is no significant small study effect.

CONCLUSION

MMS has the best performance on reducing perineal EMPD recurrence, while LE exhibits the worst capability in such regard. Recurrence-preventing abilities of other treatments have no significant difference between each other.

The subfamily Xerocomoideae (Boletaceae, Boletales) in China

Xerocomoideae is an ecologically and economically important Boletaceae subfamily (Boletales) comprising 10 genera. Although many studies have focused on Xerocomoideae in China, the diversity, taxonomy and molecular phylogeny still remained incompletely understood. In the present study, taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on Chinese species of Xerocomoideae were carried out by morphological examinations and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Eight genera in Xerocomoideae, viz. Aureoboletus, Boletellus, Heimioporus, Hemileccinum, Hourangia, Phylloporus, Pulchroboletus, and Xerocomus were confirmed to be distributed in China; 97 species of the subfamily were accepted as being distributed in China; one ambiguous taxon was tentatively named Bol. aff. putuoensis; two synonyms, viz. A. marroninus and P. dimorphus were defined. Among the Chinese accepted species, 13 were newly described, viz. A. albipes, A. conicus, A. ornatipes, Bol. erythrolepis, Bol. rubidus, Bol. sinochrysenteroides, Bol. subglobosus, Bol. zenghuoxingii, H. squamipes, P. hainanensis, Pul. erubescens, X. albotomentosus, and X. fuscatus, 36 known species were redescribed, and the other 48 species were reviewed. Keys to accepted species of Aureoboletus, Boletellus, Heimioporus, Hemileccinum, Hourangia, Phylloporus, and Xerocomus in China were also provided. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Aureoboletus albipes N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & Zhi Q. Liang, A. conicus N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & Zhi Q. Liang, A. ornatipes N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & Zhi Q. Liang, Boletellus erythrolepis N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, S. Jiang & Zhi Q. Liang, Bol. rubidus N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, Y.J. Hao & Zhi Q. Liang, Bol. sinochrysenteroides N.K. Zeng, R. Xue & Kuan Zhao, Bol. subglobosus N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, S. Jiang & Zhi Q. Liang, Bol. zenghuoxingii N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, S. Jiang & Zhi Q. Liang, Hemileccinum squamipes N.K. Zeng, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang, Phylloporus hainanensis N.K. Zeng, L.L. Wu, & Zhi Q. Liang, Pulchroboletus erubescens N.K. Zeng, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang, Xerocomus albotomentosus N.K. Zeng, H.J. Xie, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang, and X. fuscatus N.K. Zeng, H.J. Xie, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang. Citation: Xue R, Zhang X, Xu C, Xie HJ, Wu LL, Wang Y, Tang LP, Hao YJ, Zhao K, Jiang S, Li Y, Yang YY, Li Z, Liang ZQ, Zeng NK (2023). The subfamily Xerocomoideae (Boletaceae, Boletales) in China. Studies in Mycology 106: 95-197. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.106.03.

Renal‑rotation techniques in retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for giant pheochromocytomas: a clinical intervention study with historical controls

BACKGROUND

Dealing with the giant pheochromocytomas (maximum diameter ≥ 6 cm) has long been a tough challenge for urologists. We introduced a new retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy method modified with renal-rotation techniques to treat giant pheochromocytomas.

METHODS

28 diagnosed patients were prospectively recruited as the intervention group. Meanwhile, by referring to the historical records in our database, matched patients who had undergone routine retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (RA), transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TA), or open adrenalectomy (OA) for giant pheochromocytomas were selected as controls. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected for comparative assessment.

RESULTS

Among all the groups, the intervention group had the minimal bleeding volume (28.93 ± 25.94 ml, p < 0.05), the least intraoperative blood pressure variation (59.11 ± 25.68 mmHg, p < 0.05), the shortest operation time (115.32 ± 30.69 min, p < 0.05), the lowest postoperative ICU admission rates (7.14%, p < 0.05), and shortest drainage time length (2.57 ± 0.50 days, p < 0.05). Besides, compared with TA and OA groups, intervention group was also characterized by lower pain scores (3.21 ± 0.63, p < 0.05), less postoperative complications (p < 0.05), earlier diet initiation time (1.32 ± 0.48 postoperative days, p < 0.05) and ambulation time (2.68 ± 0.48 postoperative days, p < 0.05). Follow-up blood pressure and metanephrine and normetanephrine levels in all intervention group patients remained normal.

CONCLUSION

Compared with RA, TA, and OA, retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy with renal-rotation techniques is a more feasible, efficient, and secure surgical treatment for giant pheochromocytomas.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study has been prospectively registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry website (ChiCTR2200059953, date of first registration: 14/05/2022).

Instantaneous 4D micro-particle image velocimetry (µPIV) via multifocal microscopy (MUM)

Multifocal microscopy (MUM), a technique to capture multiple fields of view (FOVs) from distinct axial planes simultaneously and on one camera, was used to perform micro-particle image velocimetry (µPIV) to reconstruct velocity and shear stress fields imposed by a liquid flowing around a cell. A diffraction based multifocal relay was used to capture images from three different planes with 630 nm axial spacing from which the axial positions of the flow-tracing particles were calculated using the image sharpness metric. It was shown that MUM can achieve an accuracy on the calculated velocity of around (0.52 ± 0.19) µm/s. Using fixed cells, MUM imaged the flow perturbations at sub-cellular level, which showed characteristics similar to those observed in the literature. Using live cells as an exemplar, MUM observed the effect of changing cell morphology on the local flow during perfusion. Compared to standard confocal laser scanning microscope, MUM offers a clear advantage in acquisition speed for µPIV (over 300 times faster). This is an important characteristic for rapidly evolving biological systems where there is the necessity to monitor in real time entire volumes to correlate the sample responses to the external forces.

Dkk3/REIC Deficiency Impairs Spermiation, Sperm Fibrous Sheath Integrity and the Sperm Motility of Mice

The role of Dickkopf-3 (Dkk3)/REIC (The Reduced Expression in Immortalized Cells), a Wnt-signaling inhibitor, in male reproductive physiology remains unknown thus far. To explore the functional details of Dkk3/REIC in the male reproductive process, we studied the Dkk3/REIC knock-out (KO) mouse model. By examining testicular sections and investigating the sperm characteristics (count, vitality and motility) and ultrastructure, we compared the reproductive features between Dkk3/REIC-KO and wild-type (WT) male mice. To further explore the underlying molecular mechanism, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of testicular tissues. Our results showed that spermiation failure existed in seminiferous tubules of Dkk3/REIC-KO mice, and sperm from Dkk3/REIC-KO mice exhibited inferior motility (44.09 ± 8.12% vs. 23.26 ± 10.02%, p < 0.01). The Ultrastructure examination revealed defects in the sperm fibrous sheath of KO mice. Although the average count of Dkk3/REIC-KO epididymal sperm was less than that of the wild-types (9.30 ± 0.69 vs. 8.27 ± 0.87, ×10⁶), neither the gap (p > 0.05) nor the difference in the sperm vitality rate (72.83 ± 1.55% vs. 72.50 ± 0.71%, p > 0.05) were statistically significant. The RNA-seq and GO (Gene Oncology) enrichment results indicated that the differential genes were significantly enriched in the GO terms of cytoskeleton function, cAMP signaling and calcium ion binding. Collectively, our research demonstrates that Dkk3/REIC is involved in the process of spermiation, fibrous sheath integrity maintenance and sperm motility of mice.

Propofol ameliorates acute postoperative fatigue and promotes glucagon-regulated hepatic gluconeogenesis by activating CREB/PGC-1α and accelerating fatty acids beta-oxidation

Postoperative fatigue (POF) is the most common and long-lasting complication after surgery, which brings heavy burden to individuals and society. Recently, hastening postoperative recovery receives increasing attention, but unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying POF remain unclear. Propofol is a wildly used general anesthetic in clinic, and inspired by the rapid antidepressant effects induced by ketamine at non-anesthetic dose, the present study was undertaken to investigate the anti-fatigue effects and underlying mechanisms of propofol at a non-anesthetic dose in 70% hepatectomy induced POF model in rats. We first showed here that single administration of propofol at 0.1 mg/kg ameliorated acute POF in hepatectomy induced POF rats. Based on metabonomics analysis, we hypothesized that propofol exerted anti-fatigue activity in POF rats by facilitating free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation and gluconeogenesis. We further confirmed that propofol restored the deficit in FFA oxidation and gluconeogenesis in POF rats, as evidenced by the elevated FFA utilization, acetyl coenzyme A content, pyruvic acid content, phosphoenolpyruvic acid content, hepatic glucose output and glycogen storage. Moreover, propofol stimulated glucagon secretion and up-regulated expression of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB, peroxlsome prolifeator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinade1 and carnitine palmitoltransferase 1A. In summary, our study suggests for the first time that propofol ameliorates acute POF by promoting glucagon-regulated gluconeogenesis via CREB/PGC-1α signaling and accelerating FFA beta-oxidation.

Repurposing of posaconazole as a hedgehog/SMO signaling inhibitor for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma therapy

Posaconazole (POS) is a novel antifungal agent, which has been repurposed as an anti-tumor drug for its potential inhibition of Hedgehog signaling pathway. Hedgehog pathway is reported to be abnormally activated in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), this study aimed to reveal whether POS could inhibit Hedgehog signaling pathway in ERMS. Following POS treatment, XTT viability assay was used to determine the cell proliferation of ERMS cell lines. Protein changes related to Hedgehog signaling, cell cycle and autophagy were detected by Western blot. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Moreover, a subcutaneous tumor mouse model of ERMS was established to assess the anti-tumor effect of POS. POS was found to inhibit tumor progression by inducing G0/G1 arrest and autophagy of RD, RMS-YM, and KYM-1 cells dose-dependently. Western blot demonstrated that POS downregulated the expressions of SMO, Gli1, c-Myc, CDK4, and CDK6, while upregulated the expressions of autophagy-related proteins. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed a significant increase of LC3B puncta in POS-treated ERMS cells. Furthermore, POS treatment led to a significant inhibition of tumor growth in mice bearing ERMS. Our findings could provide a theoretical basis and have important clinical implications in developing POS as a promising agent against ERMS by targeting Hedgehog pathway.

The Cell Cycle Checkpoint Gene, RAD17 rs1045051, Is Associated with Prostate Cancer Risk

Human RAD17, as an agonist of checkpoint signaling, plays an essential role in mediating DNA damage. This hospital-based case-control study aimed to explore the association between RAD17 rs1045051, a missense sin-gle nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and prostate cancer risk. Subjects were 358 prostate cancer patients and 314 cancer-free urology patients undergoing treatment at the Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University in China. RAD17 gene polymorphism rs1045051 was evaluated by the SNaPshot method. Compared with the RAD17 gene polymorphism rs1045051 AA genotype, there was a higher risk of prostate cancer for the CC gen-otype (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.731, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.031-2.908, p = 0.038). Compared with the A allele, the C allele was significantly associated with the disease status (AOR = 1.302, 95%CI = 1.037-1.634, p = 0.023). All these findings indicate that in the SNP rs1045051, both the CC genotype and C allele may have a substantial influence on the prostate cancer risk.

Dual-Functional PLGA Nanoparticles Co-Loaded with Indocyanine Green and Resiquimod for Prostate Cancer Treatment

PURPOSE

With the advance of screening techniques, there is a growing number of low-risk or intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) cases, remaining a serious threat to men's health. To obtain better efficacy, a growing interest has been attracted to develop such emerging treatments as immunotherapy and focal therapy. However, few studies offer guidance on whether and how to combine these modalities against PCa. This study was designed to develop dual-functional nanoparticles (NPs) which combined photothermal therapy (PTT) with immunotherapy and determine the anti-tumor efficacy for PCa treatment.

METHODS

By a double emulsion technique, the drug nanocarrier, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) or PLGA, was applied for co-loading of a fluorescent dye, indocyanine green (ICG) and a toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) agonist resiquimod (R848) to synthesize PLGA-ICG-R848 NPs. Next, we determined their characteristic features and evaluated whether they inhibited the cell viability in multiple PCa cell lines. After treatment with PLGA-ICG-R848, the maturation markers of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were detected by flow cytometry. By establishing a subcutaneous xenograft model of mouse PCa, we explored both the anti-tumor effect and immune response following the NPs-based laser ablation.

RESULTS

With a mean diameter of 157.7 nm, PLGA-ICG-R848 exhibited no cytotoxic effect in PCa cells, but they significantly decreased RM9 cell viability to (3.9±1.0)% after laser irradiation. Moreover, PLGA-ICG-R848 promoted BMDCs maturation with the significantly elevated proportions of CD11c+CD86+ and CD11c+CD80+ cells. Following PLGA-ICG-R848-based laser ablation in vivo, the decreased bioluminescent signals indicated a significant inhibition of PCa growth, while the ratio of splenic natural killer (NK) cells in PLGA-ICG-R848 was (3.96±1.88)% compared with (0.99±0.10)% in PBS group, revealing the enhanced immune response against PCa.

CONCLUSION

The dual-functional PLGA-ICG-R848 NPs under laser irradiation exhibit the anti-tumor efficacy for PCa treatment by combining PTT with immunotherapy.

Sevoflurane impedes the progression of glioma through modulating the circular RNA has_circ_0012129/miR-761/TGIF2 axis

OBJECTIVE

Glioma is a highly aggressive and lethal brain tumor. Anesthetics have been shown to have important effects on the biological characteristics of cancer cells. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of anesthetic-mediated glioma cells progression remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sevoflurane (sev) was employed to treat glioma cells. The biological characteristics (viability, colony formation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion) of glioma cells were determined via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), cell colony formation, flow cytometry, PI cytometry, or transwell assays. The protein levels of Cell Cycle Dependent Kinase (CDK) 2, CDK4, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFB) induced factor homeobox 2 (TGIF2) were assessed through Western blot analysis. Glucose consumption and lactate production were measured using special commercial kits. The expression of circular RNA has_circ_0012129 (circ_0012129) and miR-761 was detected via quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between circ_0012129 or TGIF2 and miR-761 was verified with Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. Sevoflurane-mediated molecular mechanisms have been confirmed via xenograft assay.

RESULTS

Sevoflurane suppressed viability, colony formation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis of glioma cells in vitro, and impeded tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0012129 and TGIF2 were downregulated and miR-761 was upregulated in sevoflurane-treated glioma cells. Circ_0012129 elevation abolished sevoflurane-mediated biological characteristics of glioma cells. MiR-761 served as target for circ_0012129 and miR-761 targeted TGIF2. Moreover, both miR-761 overexpression and TGIF2 suppression restored circ_0012129 enhancement-mediated biological characteristics of sevoflurane-treated glioma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Sevoflurane mediated the progression of glioma via regulating the circ_0012129/miR-761/TGIF2 axis.

Effect of NT-3 on repair of spinal cord injury through the MAPK signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) on the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI) through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rat model of SCI was first successfully established using the impactor (SCI group). Meanwhile, control group and NT-3 treatment group were set up as well. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score was given and blood, and spinal cord tissues were collected from rats. Subsequently, serum indexes were detected, including glucose (Glu), creatinine (Cr), K+, Na+, the content of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β), and the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO). Moreover, the morphological changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The gene and protein expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and MAPK were determined through Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of the MAPK signaling pathway on SCI was comprehensively observed.

RESULTS

In SCI group, the rats could not crawl autonomously with the loss of motor function and paraplegia. Meanwhile, the levels of Glu, Cr, Na+, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-β, and MPO were all significantly up-regulated. According to the results of HE staining, spinal nerve fibers disappeared with significant syringomyelia in SCI group. Meanwhile, the aggregation of nerve fibers was observed without apparent tissue bleeding, edema, and cell deformation in NT-3 group. QRT-PCR results demonstrated that SCI group showed remarkably higher levels of GFAP, MAPK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) (p<0.05), while it showed a markedly lower level of ERK2 than NT-3 group (p<0.05). In NT-3 group, the protein expression of MAPK in myocardial tissues was remarkably lower than that of SCI group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

NT-3 can inhibit the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby promoting the repair of SCI.

The role of Wnt signaling in male reproductive physiology and pathology

Accumulating evidence has shown that Wnt signaling is deeply involved in male reproductive physiology, and malfunction of the signal path can cause pathological changes in genital organs and sperm cells. These abnormalities are diverse in manifestation and have been constantly found in the knockout models of Wnt studies. Nevertheless, most of the research solely focused on a certain factor in the Wnt pathway, and there are few reports on the overall relation between Wnt signals and male reproductive physiology. In our review, Wnt findings relating to the reproductive system were sought and summarized in terms of Wnt ligands, Wnt receptors, Wnt intracellular signals and Wnt regulators. By sorting out and integrating relevant functions, as well as underlining the controversies among different reports, our review aims to offer an overview of Wnt signaling in male reproductive physiology and pathology for further mechanistic studies.

Efficacy and immunogenicity of a live L. acidophilus expressing SAD epitope of transmissible gastroenteritis virus as an oral vaccine

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) causes great economic loss to swine industry worldwide. Vaccination is an important method to control the TGEV infection. In this study, a TGEV oral vaccine was generated by transferring a eukaryotic expression recombinant plasmid carrying the SAD (A and D antigenic sites of the S protein) epitope of TGEV into a swine-origin Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). In orally immunized BALB/c mice, the TGEV L. acidophilus oral vaccine induced significantly higher level of SIgA antibodies specific to TGEV compared with the mice immunized with a commercial inactivated TGEV vaccine and similar levels of IgG specific to TGEV as the inactivated vaccine. Furthermore, the TGEV L. acidophilus oral vaccine induced higher levels of IFN-γ, which suggested that the vaccine was able to induce immune response. In brief, this novel TGEV L. acidophilus oral vaccine could induce high levels of both mucosal and humoral immune responses, which has a potential to be used in the pig industries in the future. Keywords: transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV); live L. acidophilus oral vaccine; SIgA antibody; IgG antibody; IFN-γ; IL-4.

[Prevalence of silicosis among Xiangyu railway construction workers in Nanchong from 2008-2007]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of silicosis in the militias with contribution to the former Xiangyu Railway construction in Nanchong, China, from 2008 to 2017, and to provide a scientific basis for the future development of pneumoconiosis prevention and control strategies based on the current status. Methods: A database was established for the data of 11863 militias with contribution to the former Xiangyu Railway construction in Nanchong, China, who attended our hospital from 2008 to 2017, including 11485 males (96.81%) and 378 females (3.19%). The SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the differences in the detection rate of silicosis between militias with different sexes or those with different job types, as well as the age, length of service, and regional distribution of patients. Results: Of the 11863 railway militias in Nanchong, 3169 (26.71%) were diagnosed with silicosis, including 2761 (87.12%) in stage I, 359 (11.33%) in stage II, and 49 (1.55%) in stage III; the males had a significantly higher detection rate of silicosis than the females (χ(2)=64.496, P<0.05); there was a significant difference in the detection rate of silicosis between the militias with different job types (χ(2)=856.839, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the mean age of diagnosis and the mean length of service between the patients with different stages of silicosis (F=4.944, P<0.05; F=3.174, P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the number of militia patients with silicosis between different areas of Nanchong (χ(2)=843.330, P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of silicosis is relatively high among the militias with contribution to the former Xiangyu Railway. It is necessary to strengthen the occupational health monitoring of patients, actively treat and prevent complications, and improve the quality of life of patients.

[Anti-cicatricial and anti-restenosis effect of verapamil on anterior urethral stricture: A randomized controlled clinical trial]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-cicatricial and anti-restenosis effect of verapamil on anterior urethral stricture.
 Methods: A total of 32 patients received anterior urethral stricture were enrolled in this study. They were divided into 4 blocks according to the duration of previous urethral operations and dilations. Every block was further randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. Experimental groups received 2 mL injection of verapamil around the anastomosis site of urethra before and after the surgery (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after the surgery), while the control groups only received the anastomosis surgery. After surgery, maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax) was examined for all patients once the catheter was removed. In addition, they were also conducted palpation of urethral scar range. The sum of long transverse diameters of urethral scar was measured, and the narrowest urethral inner diameter was examined. The Qmax was rechecked and the urethral scar range was assessed by penis color Doppler elastography after 12 weeks of surgery. The above 4 indexes were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of verapamil on urethral scar.
 Results: The length of palpated urethral scar in the Block 1 to 4 of the experimental groups was (22.75±1.03), (21.25±0.25), (20.75±1.03), and (20.0±0.58) mm, respectively; and those in the control groups (26.00±0.82), (24.5±1.04), (25.75±1.65), and (28.25±1.75) mm, respectively. The Qmax rates in the Block 1 to 4 of the experimental groups were (11.85±0.77), (11.33±0.81), (10.23±0.26), and (10.35±0.17) mL/s, respectively; and those in the control groups were (10.85±0.39), (10.50±0.76), (10.53±1.00), (12.60±0.39) mL/s, respectively. The Qmax rates in the Block 1 to 4 of the experimental groups were (11.73±0.87), (10.65±0.25), (10.23±0.19), and (10.35±0.29) mL/s, respectively; and those in the control groups were (8.05±0.28), (7.73±0.68), (7.53±0.92), and (9.60±0.32) mL/s, respectively. The narrowest diameters of urethral in the Block 1 to 4 of the experimental groups were (9.00±0.58), (7.50±2.89), (7.00±0.10), and (7.00±0.41) mm, respectively; and those in the control groups were (5.50±0.29), (5.00±0.41), (4.75±0.48), and (6.75±0.48) mm, respectively. The ultrasound strain ratio in the Block 1 to 4 of the experimental groups were 6.10±0.22, 6.10±0.17, 5.10±0.16, and 6.90±0.19, respectively; and those in the control groups were 8.00±0.25, 10.60±0.29, 11.30±0.16, and 8.90±0.33, respectively. Compared with the control groups, the experimental groups displayed smaller urethral scar range, less severe scarring, improved Qmax rates and wider inner diameters (all P<0.05).
 Conclusion: Urethral regional injection of verapamil intraoperatively or postoperatively can prevent overgrowth of urethral scar tissues after the transperineal anastomosis surgery, and reduce the tendency of postoperative restenosis of anterior urethral stricture.

[Causes and management for male urethral stricture]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the etiology of male urethral stricture, analyze the therapeutic strategies of urethral stricture, and summarize the complicated cases.
 Methods: The data of 183 patients with urethral stricture were retrospectively analyzed, including etiology, obstruction site, stricture length, therapeutic strategy, and related complications.
 Results: The mean age was 49.7 years, the average course was 64.7 months, and the constituent ratio of 51 to 65 years old patients was 38.8% (71/183). The traumatic injury of patients accounted for 52.4% (96/183), in which the pelvic fracture accounted for 35.5% (65/183) and the straddle injury accounted for 16.9% (31/183). There were 54 cases of iatrogenic injury (29.5%). The posterior urethral stricture accounted for 45.9% (84/183), followed by the anterior urethral stricture (44.8%, 82/183) and the stenosis (6.6%, 12/183). A total of 99 patients (54.1%) received the end to end anastomosis, and 40 (21.9%) were treated with intracavitary surgery, such as endoscopic holmium laser, cold knife incision, endoscopic electroknife scar removal, balloon dilation, and urethral dilation. In the patients over 65-years old, the urethral stricture rate was 14.8% and the complication rate (70.4%) for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was significantly higher than that of all samples (P<0.01).
 Conclusion: Both the etiology of male urethral stricture and the treatment strategy have changed and the incidence of traumatic and iatrogenic urethral stricture has increased in recent 3 years. The main treatment of urethral stricture has been transformed from endoscopic surgery into urethroplasty.

[Effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia on hepatic function and protective mechanism of adiponectin in rats]

Objective: To explore the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on rats hepatic function, and the protective mechanism of adiponectin (Ad). Methods: Sixty healthy male wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control (NC), NC+ Ad, CIH, and CIH+ Ad groups with 15 rats in each. The rats in CIH and CIH+ Ad groups were exposed to an intermittent hypoxic chamber 8 hours per day for 4 months. Meanwhile, the rats in both the NC and NC + Ad groups were housed with normal pressure air. The rats in the NC+ Ad and CIH+ Ad groups were additionally treated with an intravenous injection of Ad (10 μg), twice a week for 4 months. At the end of experiment, comparison among groups was made about plasma levels of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), degrees of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and mitochondrium associated cellular apoptosis. Results: No significant difference was detected in all items between NC and NC+ Ad groups (all P>0.05). Plasma hepatic enzyme levels of AST and ALT were significantly higher in CIH group [(319±21) and (113±9) U/L] than those in NC group [(178±19) and (51±9) U/L] and NC+ Ad group [(175±16) and (52±8) U/L] (all P<0.05). Compared NC with NC+ Ad group, there was more remarkable ERS and mitochondrial injury associated cellular apoptosis in hepatic tissues of CIH group. Such pathological changes were less obvious in CIH+ Ad group than in CIH group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: CIH can induce hepatic injury in rats, while Ad supplement may play a protective role possibly through inhibition of ERS and associated pathways of cellular apoptosis.

H9N2 influenza virus isolated from minks has enhanced virulence in mice

H9N2 is one of the major subtypes of influenza virus circulating in poultry in China, which has a wide host range from bird to mammals. Two H9N2 viruses were isolated from one mink farm in 2014. Phylogenetic analysis showed that internal genes of the H9N2 viruses have close relationship with those of H7N9 viruses. Interestingly, two H9N2 were separated in phylogenetic trees, indicating that they are introduced to this mink farm in two independent events. And further mice studies showed that one H9N2 caused obvious weight loss and 20% mortality in infected mice, while another virus did not cause any clinical sign in mice infected at the same dose. Genetic analysis indicated that the virulent H9N2 contain a natural mutation at 701N in PB2 protein, which was reported to contribute to mammalian adaptation. However, such substitution is absent in the H9N2 avirulent to mice. Circulation of H9N2 in mink may drive the virus to adapt mammals; continual surveillance of influenza virus in mink was warranted.

Urethral calculi with a urethral fistula: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

To explore and summarize the reasons why urethral calculi cause a urethral fistula.

CASE PRESENTATION

We retrospectively studied 1 patient in Xiangya hospital and all relevant literature published in English between 1989 and 2015. The patients (including those reported in the literature) were characterized by age, origin, location of calculus, size of calculus, fistulous track, and etiological factors. Most of urethral calculi associated with a urethral fistula were native generated. Urethral calculi can be formed in various locations of the urethra, and the size of the calculus ranged from small (multiple) calculi to giant stones. The fistula external orifice located at the root of the penis was relatively common, and there were various etiological factors, such as urethral strictures, urethral trauma induced by long-term catheterization, lumbar fractures, and congenital anomaly factors. They were managed by the excision of the fistulous tract, retrieval of the urethral stones, and/or debridement and pus drainage operations.

CONCLUSION

Some elements, such as trauma, recurrent urinary tract infections, abscess formation induced by long-term catheterization, and urethral calculus, may be the risk factors for a urethral fistula.

[Effect of calcium channel blockers on primary cultured human urethra scar fibroblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate effects of verapamil on primary cultured human urethral scar fibroblasts (USFs) and to provide basis for protecting the formation of urethra scar.
 Methods: The cell proliferation was evaluated with the cell counting kit (CCK)-8 method after USFs were incubated various verapamil concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 μmol/L) or solvent for 12, 24, or 48 h. The protein level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) was evaluated with ELISA after cells were incubated with verapamil (100 μmol/L) or solvent (control cells) for 24 h.
 Results: The proliferation of USFs was obviously suppressed after verapamil treatment, which was in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the verapamil treatment group increased obviously compared with those of the control groups (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: Calcium channel blockers may prevent the excessive formation of urethra scar by inhibiting the proliferation of urethral scar fibroblasts and enhancing the activity of MMP.

Aggravation of spinal cord compromise following new osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture prevented by teriparatide in patients with surgical contraindications

Patients with spinal cord deficits following new unstable osteoporotic compression fracture and surgical contraindications were considered to receive conservative treatment. Teriparatide was better than alendronate at improving bone mineral density and bone turnover parameters, as well as preventing aggravation of spinal cord compromise.

INTRODUCTION

This study compared the preventive effects of teriparatide and alendronate on aggravation of spinal cord compromise following new unstable osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in patients with surgical contraindications.

METHODS

This was a 12-month, randomized, open-label study of teriparatide versus alendronate in 49 patients with new unstable OVCF and surgical contraindications. Neurological function was evaluated using modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score (11-point scale, the maximum score of 11 implies normalcy). Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, kyphotic angles, anterior-border heights and diameters of the spinal canal of the fractured vertebrae, any incident of new OVCFs (onset of OVCF during follow-up), spine bone mineral density (BMD), and serum markers of bone resorption and bone formation were also examined at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation of the medication regimen.

RESULTS

At 12 months, mean mJOA score had improved in the teriparatide group and decreased in the alendronate group. Mean concentrations of bone formation and bone resorption biomarkers, mean spine BMD, and mean anterior-border height and spinal canal diameter of the fractured vertebrae were significantly greater in the teriparatide group than in the alendronate group. Mean VAS score, mean kyphotic angle of the fractured vertebrae, and incidence of new OVCFs were significantly smaller in the teriparatide group than in the alendronate group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with neurological deficits following new unstable OVCF and with surgical contraindications, teriparatide was better than alendronate at improving the BMD and the bone turnover parameters, as well as preventing aggravation of spinal cord compromise.

Factors Associated with Knowledge of and Willingness for Adult Male Circumcision in Changsha, China

BACKGROUND

Male circumcision (MC) has been shown to reduce the risk of male genital diseases. MC is not commonly practiced among Chinese males and little is known about the factors associated with their knowledge of and willingness for MC. This study was to explore the knowledge regarding the foreskin among Chinese males and to identify factors associated with their willingness to undergo circumcision.

METHODS

A total of 237 patients with redundant prepuce/phimosis were interviewed through face-to-face interviews. The items on the questionnaire included: demographics, an objective scale assessing knowledge about the foreskin, willingness to have MC, the attitudes of sexual partners and doctors toward redundant prepuce/phimosis, and the approaches that patients used to acquire knowledge regarding the prepuce. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors that are associated with willingness to be circumcised (WTC).

RESULTS

A total of 212 patients completed the interview. Multivariable logistic regression showed that three factors were significantly associated with WTC: being married (OR = 0.43), perceiving redundant prepuce/phimosis as a disease (OR = 1.93), and if a patient's partner supported MC (OR = 1.39). 58% (n = 122) had received information about the foreskin from another party: 18% (n = 37) from school, 8% (n = 17) from family, 17% (n = 36) from friends, 27% (n = 57) from health care providers. About 4% (n = 8) believed that their partners disliked their redundant prepuce/phimosis. 20% (n = 42) had received doctors' advice to undergo circumcision.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge about the foreskin was low among Chinese males. Our study elucidates the factors associated with WTC and suggests that more education of the population about the foreskin can help improve the recognition of a correctible abnormality and help patients assess the potential role of MC in their health.

Role of mitophagy regulated by Parkin/DJ-1 in remote ischemic postconditioning-induced mitigation of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the role of mitophagy controlled by Parkin/DJ-1 in remote ischemic post conditioning-induced mitigation of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety adult male rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups including a sham operation group (S) and ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R). Focal cerebral I/R was induced by right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). I/R+remote ischemic postconditioning (I/R+RIPoC), I/R+RIPoC+ mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 (I/R+RIPoC+M), and I/R+RIPoC+ normal saline (I/R+RIPoC+NS) groups all received 3 cycles of 10 minutes reperfusion followed by 10 minutes ischemia in bilateral femoral arteries at the beginning of cerebral reperfusion. I/R+RIPoC+M received mitochondrial division inhibitor (Mdivi-1) before ischemia and after 24h of reperfusion, neurological deficit scores (NDSs) were measured and rats were then sacrificed. Brain was removed and size of the infarct was determined. Apoptosis index and LC3-II/I ratio, Parkin/DJ-1 proteins expression, SOD activity, MDA and 15-F2t-Isoprostane content in cerebral ischemic penumbra were studied. Linear correlation between Parkin/DJ-1 proteins expression and LC3-II/I ratio and cerebral infarct size were analyzed.

RESULTS

In experimental groups the NDSs, percentage of cerebral infarct size, apoptosis index, LC3-II/I ratio, MDA and 15-F2t-Isoprostane content significantly increased and Parkin/DJ-1 proteins were up-regulated (p<0.05). In I/R+RIPoC and I/R+RIPoC+NS groups, NDSs, percentage of cerebral infarct size, apoptosis index, MDA and 15-F2t-Isoprostane content decreased significantly while LC3-II/I ratio and SOD activity increased compared to I/R group. Parkin/DJ-1 proteins were up-regulated in I/R+RIPoC, I/R+RIPoC+NS and I/R+RIPoC+M groups (p<0.05). LC3-II/I ratio and SOD activity significantly decreased (p<0.05). Parkin/DJ-1 proteins expression didn't changed in I/R+RIPoC+M group (p>0.05). The Parkin/DJ-1 proteins expression were positively correlated with LC3-II/I ratio, and negatively correlated with cerebral infarct size (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Remote Ischemic Post Conditioning (RIPoC) promoted the mitophagy via up-regulation of Parkin/DJ-1 proteins expression and inhibiting the oxidative stress responses, thus mitigating focal cerebral I/R injury in rats.

[Analysis of influential factors for prostate biopsy and establishment of logistic regression model for prostate cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To establish logistic regression model for prostate cancer and provide basis for prostate biopsy.


METHODS

A total of 117 cases of prostate biopsy were retrospectively analyzed in chronological sequence. All cases were assigned into a model group (n=78) and a validation group (n=39). Logistic regression model was established and its value was estimated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. 


RESULTS

Digital rectal examination(DRE), transrectal ultrasound(TRUS), MRI, prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), and free PSA/total PSA (fPSA/tPSA) were the influential factors for prostate biopsy (P<0.01). The established logistic regression model for prostate cancer by regression coefficient was: logit P=-2.362+2.561×DRE+1.747×TRUS+2.901×MRI+1.126×PSAD-
2.569×fPSA/tPSA and area under curve was 0.907. When the cutoff aimed at 0.12, the sensitivity and specificity were 81.80% and 89.30%, respectively.


CONCLUSION

Logistic regression model for prostate cancer can provide sufficient basis for prostate biopsy. Prostate biopsy should be performed when P value is more than 0.12.

Development of novel microsatellite markers in the Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli

The Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli is a valuable recreational and commercial fish in China, and is cultured in land-based tanks and net cages. Fifteen microsatellite markers were developed for this species, and their polymorphisms were examined in a population. The allele number of the 15 markers ranged from 2 to 13, with an average of 5.933 per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.063 to 0.938 (averaging 0.585), and 0.062 to 0.908 (averaging 0.642), respectively. Thirteen loci were at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), whereas the other two significantly deviated from the HWE after a Bonferroni's correction. No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected between the comparisons of these loci. These markers are useful for studies of population genetics, linkage mapping, and other relevant studies on S. schlegeli.

[A preliminary study on mechanisms for urinary system disorders before and after ketamine withdrawal in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanisms for urinary system disorders before and after ketamine withdrawal in rats and to evaluate the recovery degree of the urinary system damage after ketamine withdrawal.

METHODS

Fifteen male healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: A control group, an experimental group, and a withdrawal group. The rats in the control group were given normal saline. The rats in the experimental group were given ketamine 30 mg/(kg.day) for 30 days. The rats in the withdrawal group were treated as the experimental group except for drug withdrawal for 2 weeks. In the experimental period, we randomly selected 1 rat of kidney, ureter, and bladder from each group to perform HE staining. The bladder tissues in each group were used to detect mRNA expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

1) The behavior of ketamine-injected rats was obviously changed, but the weight of ketamine-induced rats was not changed. 2) As compared with the control group, the experimental and withdrawal groups showed infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the kidney tissues, the thinner epithelium of bladder and infiltration of submucosal mononuclear inflammatory cells under the optical microscope. 3) As compared with the control group, the expression of H1R mRNA was increased in the experimental group (P<0.05). As compared with the experimental group, H1R mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the withdrawal group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ketamine abuse could induce behavior changes in rats. The infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in kidney and bladder, the thinner bladder epithelial layer, and the increased H1R gene mRNA expression in bladder might be an important pathogenesis of KAUD. Ketamine withdrawal may effectively reverse the pathogenic process of KAUD.

Resistance of transgenic silkworm to BmNPV could be improved by silencing ie-1 and lef-1 genes

RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated viral inhibition has been used in several organisms for improving viral resistance. In the present study, we reported the use of transgenic RNAi in preventing Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) multiplication in the transgenic silkworm B. mori. We targeted the BmNPV immediate-early-1 (ie-1) and late expression factor-1 (lef-1) genes in the transiently transfected BmN cells, in the stable transformed BmN cell line and in the transgenic silkworms. We generated four piggyBac-based vectors containing short double-stranded ie-1 RNA (sdsie-1), short double-stranded lef-1 RNA (sdslef-1), long double-stranded ie-1 RNA (ldsie-1) and both sdsie-1 and sdslef-1 (sds-ie1-lef1) expression cassettes. Strong viral repression was observed in the transiently transfected cells and in the stable transformed BmN cells transfected with sds-ie-1, sdslef-1, ldsie-1 or sds-ie-lef. The decrease of ie-1 mRNA level in the sds-ie1-lef1 transiently transfected cells was most obvious among the cells transfected with different vectors. The inhibitory effect of viral multiplication was decreased in a viral dose-dependent manner; the infection ratio of transfected cells for sds-ie-1, sdslef-1, ldsie-1 and sds-ie-lef decreased by 18.83%, 13.73%, 6.93% and 30.63%, respectively, compared with control cells 5 days after infection. We generated transgenic silkworms using transgenic vector piggyantiIE-lef1-neo with sds-ie1-lef1 expression cassette; the fourth instar larvae of transgenic silkworms of generation G5 exhibited stronger resistance to BmNPV, the mortalities for the transgenic silkworms and control silkworms were 60% and 100%, respectively, at 11 days after inoculation with BmNPV (10(6) occlusion bodies per ml). These results suggest that double-stranded RNA expression of essential genes of BmNPV is a feasible method for breeding silkworms with a high antiviral capacity.

Accuracy of vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling in identification of feeding arteries in patients with intracranial arteriovenous malformations

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Identifying feeding arteries of intracranial AVMs is very important for preoperative evaluation. DSA remains the reference standard for diagnosis but is invasive. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling in identifying feeding arteries of intracranial AVMs by using DSA as the criterion standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen patients with AVMs were examined with vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling and DSA. Three postlabeling delays (postlabeling delay = 1, 1.3, and 1.6 seconds) were applied in 6 patients, and a single postlabeling delay (1 second) was applied in the remainder. Perfusion-weighted images were decoded into individual vascular territories with standard and relative tagging efficiencies, respectively. The supply fraction of each feeding artery to the AVM was calculated. The within-subject ANOVA was applied to compare supply fractions acquired across 3 postlabeling delays. Receiver operating characteristic analysis curves were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling for identifying the feeding arteries of AVMs.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in supply fractions of the 3 major arteries to AVMs acquired with 3 postlabeling delays (P > .05). For vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling with standard labeling efficiencies, the area under the receiver operating characteristic analysis curve was 0.942. The optimal cutoff of the supply fraction for identifying feeding arteries was 15.17%, and the resulting sensitivity and specificity were 84.62% and 93.33%, respectively. For vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling with relative labeling efficiencies, the area under the receiver operating characteristic analysis curve was 0.957. The optimal cutoff of the supply fraction was 11.73%, which yielded an 89.74% sensitivity and 93.33% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The contribution fraction of each feeding artery of the AVM can be reliably estimated by using vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling. Vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling with either standard or relative labeling efficiencies offers a high level of diagnostic accuracy compared with DSA for identifying feeding arteries.

MR evaluation of the glomerular homing of magnetically labeled mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of nephropathy

PURPOSE

To assess renal glomerular homing of intravenously injected superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at in vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in an experimental rat model of mesangiolysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animal procedures were performed in accordance with protocols approved by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Fourteen rats were divided into two groups: one pathologic (n = 10), with persistent mesangiolysis following simultaneous injection of OX-7 monoclonal antibody and puromycin aminonucleoside in which 10(7) SPIO- and DiI-labeled MSCs were injected, and one control (n = 4). In vivo and ex vivo MR imaging examinations were performed with 4.7- and 9.4-T spectrometers, respectively, and T2*-weighted sequences. In vivo signal intensity variations were measured in the liver and kidney before and 6 days after MSC injection. Intrarenal signal intensity variations were correlated with histopathologic data by means of colocalization of DiI fluorescence, alpha-actin, and Prussian blue stain-positive cells. Histologic differences between the glomerular homing of MSCs in different kidney portions were correlated to the areas of MR signal intensity decrease with nonparametric statistical tests.

RESULTS

On in vivo images, signal intensity measurements of pathologic kidneys following MSC injection did not show any signal intensity decrease (P = .7), whereas a 34% +/- 14 (mean +/- standard deviation) signal intensity decrease was observed in the liver (P < .01), where a substantial number of labeled cells were trapped. On ex vivo images, pathologic kidneys showed focal cortical (glomerular) areas of signal intensity loss, which was absent in controls. The areas of low signal intensity correlated well with alpha-actin and Prussian blue stain- and DiI-positive areas (P < .01), which indicates that MSCs specifically home to injured tissue. No MSCs were detected in the kidneys of control animals.

CONCLUSION

Intravenously injected MSCs specifically home to focal areas of glomerular damage and can be detected at ex vivo MR imaging.

Computer simulation of the distribution of aluminum speciation in soil solutions in equilibrium with the mineral phase imogolite

The speciation of aluminum (Al) is a critical issue when evaluating the environmental and biological significance of elevated Al concentrations in soil solutions caused by acidic precipitation. Numerous studies have revealed that, with increased concentrations of silica acid in soil, the activity of Al species in soil solutions is greatly modified by SiO(4)(2-). However, thus far there has been little thorough theoretical modeling of this subject. This paper reports a computer simulation of the distribution of Al speciation in soil solutions in equilibrium with the mineral phase imogolite based on a chemical equilibrium calculation. The unique characteristic associated with imogolite reported by previous researchers can be explained theoretically by the proposed model. The dissolved silica has a remarkable influence on Al speciation: increasing concentrations of silica acid may effectively inhibit the formation of polymeric alumino-hydroxo species, and, furthermore, detoxify Al toxicity to plants.

Rapid three-dimensional diffusion MRI facilitates the study of acute stroke in mice

MRI studies using mouse brain models of ischemia are becoming a valuable tool for understanding the mechanism of stroke, since transgenic models are now available. However, the small size of the mouse brain and the surgical complexity of creating ischemia in mice make it technically challenging to obtain high-quality MRI data. Therefore, there are few reports of MRI studies in murine cerebral ischemia. In this project a newly developed rapid 3D diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) technique was applied to study experimental stroke in a mouse model of reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Ischemic volumes were successfully delineated using this 3D whole-brain imaging technique with high spatial (0.34 x 0.5 x 1.0 mm(3) before zero-filling) and temporal (7 min) resolution. The 3D observation revealed the characteristic evolution of stroke after transient MCAO. There was a temporarily high diffusion constant in the cortex during early reperfusion, followed by a secondary energy failure in the cortex and caudate-putamen at 6 and 21 h of reperfusion. Magn Reson Med 46:183-188, 2001.

[Analysis and expression of Hyphantria cunea nuclear polyhedrosis virus sod gene]

The sequencing results indicated that Hyphantria cunea nuclear polyhedrosis virus (HcNPV) sod gene open reading frame of 456 nt encoding protein of 151 amino acid, was identified to that of Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV), and exhibited 97.2% homology at nucletde level to that of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV), three amino acid residues difference in amino acid level with AcNPV sod. The essential amino acid residues for the construction and active could be detected in HcNPV sod. Activity of the SOD is 147.09 U per milliliter E. coli.

In vivo three-dimensional reconstruction of rat brain axonal projections by diffusion tensor imaging

The in situ assessment of axonal projections of the brain has been severely limited by the lack of noninvasive techniques to study this type of anatomy. We show here that in vivo three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of axonal projections can be achieved using a rapid 3D high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging technique combined with a recently designed fiber reconstruction algorithm. As a first example, neuronal pathways in the rat brain were probed. Eight well-known fiber projections; genu and splenium of corpus callosum, internal and external capsule, fimbria, anterior commissure, optic tract, and stria terminalis were tracked and shown to be in agreement with the location of these known axonal projections. The experiment took 2 hr and shorter times should be possible in the clinical situation. By combining anisotropy information with fiber tracking, the anisotropy of individual projections was also documented. Magn Reson Med 42:1123-1127, 1999.

In vivo three-dimensional reconstruction of rat brain axonal projections by diffusion tensor imaging

The in situ assessment of axonal projections of the brain has been severely limited by the lack of noninvasive techniques to study this type of anatomy. We show here that in vivo three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of axonal projections can be achieved using a rapid 3D high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging technique combined with a recently designed fiber reconstruction algorithm. As a first example, neuronal pathways in the rat brain were probed. Eight well-known fiber projections; genu and splenium of corpus callosum, internal and external capsule, fimbria, anterior commissure, optic tract, and stria terminalis were tracked and shown to be in agreement with the location of these known axonal projections. The experiment took 2 hr and shorter times should be possible in the clinical situation. By combining anisotropy information with fiber tracking, the anisotropy of individual projections was also documented. Magn Reson Med 42:1123-1127, 1999.

Delayed reduction of tissue water diffusion after myocardial ischemia

The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of water after regional myocardial ischemia was measured in isolated, perfused rabbit hearts by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. After ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, the ADC of the nonperfused region showed a gradual but significant decreasing trend over time, whereas that of the normally perfused myocardium remained constant. Morphological analysis revealed that the ADC decrease reflected the expansion of a subregion of reduced ADC within the nonperfused myocardium. The dynamics of the diffusion change and the morphological progression of the affected tissue suggest that the ADC decrease may be linked to the onset of myocardial infarction, which is known to involve myocyte swelling. The ADC reduction provides a potentially valuable MRI tissue-contrast mechanism for noninvasively determining the viability of the ischemic myocardium and assessing the dynamics of acute myocardial infarction.

Amyloid precursor protein metabolism in primary cell cultures of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) gives rise by proteolytic processing to the amyloid beta peptide (A beta) found abundantly in cerebral senile plaques of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. APP is highly expressed in the brain. To assess the source of cerebral A beta, the metabolism of APP was investigated in the major cell types of the newborn rat cerebral cortex by pulse/chase labeling and immunoprecipitation of the APP and APP metabolic fragments. We describe a novel C-terminally truncated APP isoform that appears to be made only in neurons. The synthesis, degradation, and metabolism of APP were quantified by phosphorimaging in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. The results show that although little APP is metabolized through the amyloidogenic pathways in each of the three cultures, neurons appear to generate more A beta than astrocytes or microglia.

Soluble amyloid beta-protein is a marker of Alzheimer amyloid in brain but not in cerebrospinal fluid

The amyloid beta protein (A beta), a 4 kD fragment of the beta amyloid precursor protein, is deposited as insoluble amyloid in the brain of Alzheimer disease (AD) subjects. Soluble A beta is a normal metabolic product and is present in cerebrospinal fluid. We identified soluble A beta forms of 4kD, 3kD and 3.7kD in AD but not in control brains free of amyloid deposits. All three forms of soluble A beta extend beyond residue 40. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from the same subjects confirmed the presence of only 4kD A beta in comparable amounts in AD and controls. The presence of soluble A beta only in brain regions with amyloid suggests they are related. The undetectability of soluble A beta in control brains indicates that it is normally removed or bound to other proteins. Failure of this protective mechanism might cause amyloid formation in AD.

Fatal familial insomnia, a prion disease with a mutation at codon 178 of the prion protein gene

BACKGROUND

We previously described two members of a family affected by an apparently genetically determined fatal disease characterized clinically by progressive insomnia, dysautonomia, and motor signs and characterized pathologically by severe atrophy of the anterior ventral and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei. Five other family members who died of this disease, which we termed "fatal familial insomnia," had broader neuropathologic changes suggesting that fatal familial insomnia could be a prion disease.

METHODS

We used antibodies to prion protein (PrP) to perform dot and Western blot analyses, with and without proteinase K, on brain tissue obtained at autopsy from two patients with fatal familial insomnia, three patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and six control subjects. The coding region of the PrP gene was amplified and sequenced in the samples from the two patients with fatal familial insomnia. Restriction-enzyme analysis was carried out with amplified PrP DNA from 33 members of the kindred.

RESULTS

Protease-resistant PrP was found in both patients with fatal familial insomnia, but the size and number of protease-resistant fragments differed from those in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In the family with fatal familial insomnia, all 4 affected members and 11 of the 29 unaffected members had a point mutation in PrP codon 178 that results in the substitution of asparagine for aspartic acid and elimination of the Tth111 I restriction site. Linkage analysis showed a close relation between the point mutation and the disease (maximal lod score, 3.4 when theta was zero).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatal familial insomnia is a prion disease with a mutation in codon 178 of the PrP gene, but the disease phenotype seems to differ from that of previously described kindreds with the same point mutation.